Jeremiah 38:1-13
I found the behavior and examples set by the three main characters in our passage today (Jeremiah, King Zedekiah, Ebed-Melech) quite revealing. Jeremiah and Edbed-Melech did the right things despite being in difficult, even life threatening situations. They both followed God. Zedekiah, on the other hand, was spineless. He didn't want God, and his actions were determined by him and whatever seemed right to him at the moment. (Not recommended BTW, see Jeremiah 39).
So were you inspired by Jeremiah and Ebed-Melech like I was? What can we do to be more like them (tuned into God) the next time life throws us a curve ball? (Maybe you're already there?) Tami W.
God uses different situations to help us grow. Sometimes we can see where God has led us and why He took us through what He did. Often we do not know. I wonder how God prepared these 2 men. It was a good thing that they both were in tune with God. For myself, I feel an urge to do something, and if I don't - watch out out for the guilt! If I do obey, there is a rush of peace and calmness. (Even though I am a teacher, btw, I don't worry about reading any mistakes from anyone! I do enjoy, and am encouraged by reading the blogs. Thanks for sharing!)
When we walk with God by reading His Word, trusting and obeying Him, " What shall we then say to these things? If God be with us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31) God looks after His own. Please pray for my neice and nephew-in-law, Raquel and Jamir who are going through some trying times. May God guide, protect and deliver us all from any trials and temptations as we go through this day and the weekend. Hugs.
I think we need to remember that we do nothing on our own. God is always there doing things for us. He has done things for us that we probably don't even know about. This man was so courageous because he went to the king and told him what had happened. The king did not want the death of a prophet of God on his hands. The man was courageous for even going to the king, others would have just let Jeremiah die in the cistern. I have a hard time sometimes being tuned in to God. I have to pray a lot and stay in the word of God in order for me to stay in tune with God. I think we all go through that once in a while. The trick is how we deal with it.
Wow! He didn't let fear of what could or would happen to him stop him from doing the right thing. I know that he was blessed by god for saving the prophet. I pray that i learn to operate out trust in god instead of fear of the unknown.
Bingo Kendra! That's exactly what I'm going through right now. I'm having a hard time being tuned in to God. I think I am, and for all I know, He is using me, just like He did with Ebed-Melech. It is hard and in my case I'm always looking for some kind of 'sign' that I am following His will. I know staying steadfast with reading His word and praying and having faith, all help us get back on the track in doing the right thing.
Jeremiah took a bold stand in delivering a message that he knew probably wasnt going to be popular with the people. And it is so that way today how as christians we might not say what God has led us to say or what we know the truth is just because we don't want to offend anybody or don't want anyone to be mad at us or something. And just like the King quickly turned on Jeremiah, when he knew he was speaking truth, so people do today. Regarding your question> What do I need to be courageous about? I no that i need to take more of a stand or have more say when God is directing me or when I know truth needs to spoken.I am set to relocate soon and I know that It's good for me spiritually, structually, and physically but I'm scared to fail so I keep wanting to not go and keep doubting myself and sometimes God. I trust God and have had many great experiences and blessings at his hand, but also somethings that I just can't understnd didnt go right and it just seems like God wasnt with me? But I'm trying to hold fast to faith, reading the word,listening to the word, praying etc.
I was inspired also by Jeremiah who was following God's instructions and trusting Him all the way to the cistern and by Eded-Melech who stood up for what was right not knowing what the outcome would be, but willing to speak to the king on behalf of the Prophet of the Lord.
When life throws me a "curve ball", I try to stop and pray. I have had many trials come my way and sometimes, I get worked up then The Holy Spirit whispers to my heart, give it to God! I stop my worry and anxious thoughts and pray. It never amazes me how quickly I am calmed when I ask God to guide me through. When we are under attack, we must always trust in Our Lord and Savior. We must focus on His word and let our thoughts remain on Him.
Let us praise Him on mountain highs and in valley lows.
Joan - I will be praying with you for your neice and nephew. May God protect and guide them through.
It is always a blessing to read and share in the Powered by 4 blog. We learn from each other. As Kendra says, we can do nothing on our own and that is why we have to show God we are serious and keep in HIs Word and keep praying. Kendra, a friendly comment I am not sure "trick" is the correct word because when it comes to being in God's Word there is no "trick" in how to deal with it. God is always watching over us when we trust in Him so He will help us to deal with it. God is merciful and His goodness endures forever. May God bless us and our families and keep us safe as we share HIs love.
Thanks for all your comments. I was really encouraged by all of them. The point is to stay close to God in every way we know how.